Joseph Gibert Cunningham Adams, 89, of Seneca, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born April 25, 1936, in Greenville, South Carolina, he was the son of the late T.C. Adams and Beulah Spears Cunningham. He was a graduate of the Citadel Military College of the South, Charleston, South Carolina, Class of 1958.
Joseph was the beloved husband of Anne McDonough Adams and a devoted father to Joseph “Bud” G.C. Adams Jr. (Laurie) of Cedar Key, FL, Shields Adams Plasencia of Sanford, FL, Russell Lamar Russo (Amanda) of Charlotte, NC, Erica Russo Davis (Dwight) of Savannah, GA and. He is survived by his brother, Theodore C. Adams (Bonnie), and sister, Elliott Adams Easley; and eight beloved grandchildren, Christie Lee Yunder, Joseph G.C. “Trey” Adams III, Elle Plasencia, Drew Courtenay, Palmer Russo, Caroline Davis, Gibson Russo, and Hamilton Davis.
Joseph’s life was one of service, faith, and dedication. He served his country with honor, completing five years of active duty in the United States Air Force, 384th Bomb Wing, SAC, Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, Arkansas followed by a distinguished twenty-five years with the Georgia Air National Guard, 158th TAS, Savannah, Georgia, retiring from the GA. ANG Brigadier General. He was respected pilot, Captain of thirty-one years of service with Delta Air lines, remembered for his professionalism and love of flying.
Beyond his career, Joseph’s faith shaped his life. He was a long-standing and faithful member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Seneca, where he supported the church community with quiet devotion and generosity.
Joseph’s family remembers him as a man of courage, love, and generosity a guiding light who lived by example and inspired others through his strength and compassion. He found joy in his family, his faith, and the skies he so loved to fly.
As we say farewell, we celebrate a life well lived and honor a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire future generations. Joseph will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will remain a blessing, and his spirit will continue to soar high above us.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, October 10th, 2025 from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, with Father William Hearn presiding. Inurnment will take place at the Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 16th, 2025 with full military honors.
The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joseph’s memory can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY, 10306, or by visiting www.dogood.t2t.org. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL IS ASSISTING THE ADAMS FAMILY